FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TEMPLE, Texas – Dec.18, 2024 – Austin-based legal firm Michael & Associates has been selected to help John Reese Hutka defend himself against police allegations of aggravated assault against a public servant during a welfare check in September.
Mr. Hutka, 20, was shot at least twice by Temple police officer Hadie Carpenter during the incident. Mr. Hutka is being held on a $750,000 bond, according to jail records.
Mr. Hutka has an established medical history of mental health struggles. On Sept. 17, the Temple Police Department responded to a request for a welfare check after it was reported that during a suicide attempt, Mr. Hutka took a significant number of anti-depressants, at least 10 beers, and two bottles of sake.
“Our goal is to prove that in his inebriated state, Mr. Hutka posed no realistic physical threat to Officer Carpenter,” says Ben Michael, founding partner of Michael & Associates. “A small man with at least 20 Cymbalta, an unknown quantity of Gabapentin, and more than a gallon of alcohol in his system will not have the physical or mental capacity to seriously threaten or injure a trained police officer.”
Mr. Hutka is represented by Senior Trial Attorney Nathan Ossowski.
After police arrived, they began to check Mr. Hutka’s vital signs. However, Mr. Hutka was insistent that he did not want to be taken to the hospital. Eventually, he became agitated and walked outside the home to calm down, a coping tactic he had been taught during years of mental health treatment. The officer followed him outside, and an altercation ensued.
A supervisor who accessed the live feed monitoring feature on Officer Carpenter’s body camera said they could hear what sounded like an altercation before hearing Officer Carpenter call out, “shots fired.”
The officer was able to detain Hutka, who sustained at least two gunshot wounds — one to his upper left torso and one to his neck. Mr. Hutka was transported to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center — Temple for treatment.
Officer Carpenter was suspended with pay pending an investigation.
“Michael & Associates will do everything within our power to zealously defend and protect Mr. Hutka’s rights and ensure that his side of the story is heard,” Michael said. “Our client, who is still suffering from unhealed wounds from the incident and still has a bullet left behind in his chest, is being denied the physical and mental health treatment he desperately needs. Instead, he’s being held in the Bell County Jail.”
Michael & Associates, an Austin-based criminal defense law firm, has offices across Texas. Known for their meticulous preparation, strategic approach, and unwavering dedication to their clients, the firm has consistently secured favorable outcomes in challenging circumstances.
The firm acknowledges the intense public interest surrounding the case and emphasizes its commitment to ensuring that the legal process is followed with integrity and respect for all parties involved.
Michael & Associates will provide updates on the case as appropriate and remain steadfast in its mission to advocate for justice.
Rebecca Stumpf manages content research and editing for Michael & Associates. She is an award-winning journalist with 30+ years of experience working for daily newspapers. Her work has appeared on CNN, CNBC, Business Insider and DallasNews.com.
Rebecca Stumpf manages content research and editing for Michael & Associates. She is an award-winning journalist with 30+ years of experience working for daily newspapers. Her work has appeared on CNN, CNBC, Business Insider and DallasNews.com.